University of Hertfordshire - BA (Hons) Politics & International Relations and Philosophy

University of Hertfordshire

BA (Hons) Politics & International Relations and Philosophy

Our BA Politics & International Relations and Philosophy degree allows you to explore the ethical and philosophical questions that help to shape and challenge national and international politics and political agendas.

Here at Hertfordshire, as well as learning about philosophical and political theory, you’ll be doing rigorous and creative thinking of your own. Our internationally regarded academics will help you learn to address the arguments of others, to understand and engage with them so that you can arrive at your own conclusions and create your own original work.

You will also explore topical practical questions. Issues that arise as a result of increasing political focus on different dimensions of security, for example, are raised in the modules ‘Terrorism and Security’ and ‘The State in the 21st Century’. Philosophy will help you to understand the ethical implications and social situatedness of security politics through modules such as ‘Social and Political Philosophy’, ‘Contemporary Moral Philosophy” and ‘Nietzsche, Genealogy and Morality’.

Key social issues, such as, gender equality will be addressed from the perspective of both disciplines in ‘The Politics of Gender’ and in ‘Feminist Philosophy’. Modules will also debate the ways in which religious belief is a driving force behind social and political events in today’s globalised world.

You will be taught by experts who work at the cutting edge of their research disciplines and will share the excitement of doing original work in a supportive and highly-rated academic community.

Work placement/study abroad option: Between your second and final year, you’ll have the option to study abroad or do a work placement for up to a year. Not only will this give you an amazing experience to talk about but will also give your CV a boost. If you’d rather go straight to your final year, that’s absolutely fine too. 

Entry Requirements

UCAS pointsA LevelBTECIB requirement
112 - 120BBC - BBBDMM - DDM112 - 120 points

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and 4/D Mathematics

Access Course Tariff: An overall merit profile in 45 credits at Level 3.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

Course Details

Our politics and philosophy students benefit from being part of a diverse and active academic community. Our interactive seminars and workshops help you find your feet in the academic environment, and establish ways of working confidently, creatively and collaboratively. We see our students as fellow researchers, and we place a great deal of importance on sharing and developing skills.

You will have the opportunity to get involved in activities that will complement your studies. Not only do these enhance your experience, they also make for a more impressive CV. We offer extra-curricular modules in debating and model United Nations and our Philosophy Society, run by students, hosts fortnightly research seminars led by distinguished external philosophers. All students are welcome to participate and become part of a professional philosophy community.

Year 1

Reason and Persuasion
Social and Political Philosophy
Mind, Knowledge and Reality
Power, Citizens and the State
Ethics

Optional modules
The Meaning of Life
Comparing Political Systems
The Art of War: An Introduction to Strategic Studies
Anarchy, Order and Beyond: Studying International Relations
Philosophy of Fiction

Year 2

Optional modules
Themes in Plato's Republic
The Right and The Good
Philosophy of Mind
Knowledge and Discovery
Philosophy of Art
Metaphysics
Graduate Skills 0 Credits Optional
Philosophies of Religion
Virtues, Vices and Ethics
Logic and Philosophy
Comparative Political Systems
Modern Political Philosophy
Security and Governance
We, the People: Democratic Theory and Practice
The State in the 21st Century
Political History: Milestones, Change and Continuity

Year 3

Optional modules
Contemporary Moral Philosophy P
Aristotle P
Philosophy of Language
Philosophy of Psychology
Political Philosophy
Feminist Philosophy
Religion and Modern Thought
Kierkegaard, Philosophy and Religion
International Organisations
Politics of the European Union
Peacebuilding and Statebuilding
Post-Colonial Theory and Non-Western Philosophy
Terrorism and Security
The Politics of Gender
Political Dissertation
International Political Economy
Wittgenstein: Meaning and Forms of Life
Nietzsche Then and Now

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

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